Blue Topaz is one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, cherished for its vivid color, clarity, and affordability. With its mesmerizing shades of blue, it is a versatile choice for jewelry designers, collectors, and gemstone enthusiasts alike. From Sky Blue to Swiss Blue and the deeper London Blue, each variety has a distinct beauty and character.
This in-depth guide will provide everything you need to know about Sky Blue, Swiss Blue, and London Blue Topaz, covering their origins, treatments, value, and the best places to buy certified stones. Whether you’re a jewelry designer, gemstone collector, or someone looking for the perfect blue gemstone, this guide will answer all your questions.
1. What is Blue Topaz?
Blue Topaz is a variety of the mineral topaz that is known for its clear, brilliant blue color. While natural blue topaz exists, it is extremely rare. Most of the blue topaz on the market is the result of natural white (colorless) topaz that has been heat-treated and irradiated to achieve its vibrant blue color.
Why is Blue Topaz So Popular?
• Affordability – Unlike sapphires and aquamarines, blue topaz is more accessible in terms of price.
• Color Variety – Available in light, medium, and deep blue shades, making it suitable for all tastes.
• Hardness – Blue topaz ranks 8 on the Mohs scale, making it durable and perfect for daily wear.
• Birthstone – Blue topaz is the birthstone for December, making it a popular choice for personalized gifts and jewelry.
2. Types of Blue Topaz: Sky, Swiss, and London Blue
The color of blue topaz can range from pale sky blue to rich, deep navy blue, with three primary categories recognized in the gemstone market.
2.1. Sky Blue Topaz
• Color: Light, pastel blue, often compared to the color of a clear summer sky.
• Appearance: Subtle, soft, and delicate, ideal for those who prefer a calm, understated look.
• Treatment: Typically produced by irradiating and lightly heating white topaz.
• Jewelry Use: Often used in pendants, earrings, and dainty rings due to its light and airy feel.
• Market Demand: Sky Blue Topaz is popular among buyers seeking an elegant, natural look without the intensity of deeper blues.
• Price: Sky Blue Topaz is typically the most affordable of the three varieties.
2.2. Swiss Blue Topaz
• Color: Vivid, bright, electric blue that stands out from other blue gemstones.
• Appearance: Swiss Blue Topaz has a striking, eye-catching color, often compared to the color of Caribbean waters.
• Treatment: Created using gamma or electron irradiation followed by heating to achieve its vibrant hue.
• Jewelry Use: Swiss Blue Topaz is a favorite for statement rings, cocktail jewelry, and earrings.
• Market Demand: Its eye-catching color makes it one of the most desirable choices for jewelry.
• Price: Priced higher than Sky Blue Topaz but less than London Blue.
2.3. London Blue Topaz
• Color: Deep, rich, dark blue, similar to navy or teal.
• Appearance: London Blue Topaz is known for its sophisticated, regal appearance and slightly greenish undertone.
• Treatment: Produced using neutron or electron irradiation followed by heat treatment. This process takes longer and is more expensive, resulting in higher prices.
• Jewelry Use: Often used in high-end statement pieces, like cocktail rings, bracelets, and bold pendants.
• Market Demand: Highly desirable for luxury jewelry brands and investment pieces.
• Price: The most expensive of the three due to its depth of color and higher production cost.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for subtle beauty, choose Sky Blue Topaz. For bold, vibrant statements, pick Swiss Blue Topaz. If you want elegance and depth, London Blue Topaz is the best option.
3. How Are Blue Topaz Gemstones Treated?
Since natural blue topaz is incredibly rare, most of the blue topaz on the market is color-enhanced. The two key processes used are:
1. Irradiation – This process involves exposing white (colorless) topaz to radiation, changing its internal crystal structure to produce a blue color.
2. Heat Treatment – After irradiation, the stone is heated to stabilize its color and achieve the desired shade.
Note: Blue topaz treated with irradiation is safe to wear. The process is regulated, and any residual radiation decays before the gemstone enters the market.
4. Key Factors for Evaluating Blue Topaz
When buying Sky, Swiss, or London Blue Topaz, these key factors affect the gemstone’s value, quality, and price.
4.1. Color
Color is the most important factor. The deeper, richer, and more vivid the color, the higher the value. London Blue Topaz is typically the most valuable, followed by Swiss Blue and then Sky Blue Topaz.
4.2. Clarity
Blue topaz is prized for its eye-clean clarity, meaning no inclusions are visible to the naked eye. Clarity affects light reflection and brilliance, making cleaner stones more desirable.
4.3. Cut
The cut determines how light reflects within the gemstone. The most popular cuts for blue topaz are:
• Oval Cut – Maximizes size and brilliance.
• Cushion Cut – Enhances the depth of color, especially in London Blue Topaz.
• Emerald Cut – Highlights clarity and symmetry.
• Round Cut – Classic cut often used in earrings and pendants.
4.4. Carat Weight
Blue topaz is affordable even at larger sizes. You can find large stones (5-10 carats) at reasonable prices. However, the price increases significantly for larger stones with exceptional color and clarity.
5. Where to Buy Sky, Swiss, and London Blue Topaz
When buying topaz, look for a trusted, certified supplier that guarantees the stone’s authenticity and treatment. Here’s where you can source high-quality blue topaz:
• BirthstoneMarket.com – Offers certified Sky, Swiss, and London Blue Topaz with low MOQ (minimum order quantity). Certifications from WGI UK, AIG USA, and GFCO Switzerland are available.
• GemSelect – Provides natural gemstones for collectors and jewelry makers.
• Gemstone Universe – Offers astrologically significant and certified blue topaz.
What to Look for in a Supplier:
• Certification – Ensure stones are certified by GIA, WGI, or AIG.
• Ethical Sourcing – Look for suppliers that adhere to ethical mining and conflict-free practices.
• Return Policy – Choose suppliers with a 100% money-back guarantee.
6. Certification of Blue Topaz
Certification ensures transparency and guarantees the gemstone’s authenticity, origin, and treatment status. Key certification labs include:
• WGI UK
• AIG USA
• GFCO Switzerland
If you’re purchasing blue topaz as an investment or for jewelry production, always request a certification report.
7. Pricing of Sky, Swiss, and London Blue Topaz
Type Price per Carat (approx.) Color Description
Sky Blue Topaz $8 – $20 Pale, subtle light blue
Swiss Blue Topaz $20 – $50 Vivid, Caribbean blue
London Blue Topaz $40 – $120 Deep, teal navy blue
8. Conclusion
Whether you’re a jewelry maker, collector, or gemstone enthusiast, knowing the difference between Sky, Swiss, and London Blue Topaz will help you choose the right stone for your needs. Sky Blue Topaz is light and airy, Swiss Blue Topaz is bold and eye-catching, and London Blue Topaz is luxurious and elegant.For certified gemstones at wholesale prices, visit BirthstoneMarket.com. With WGI, AIG, and GFCO certification, a 100% refund policy, and global shipping, you can buy with confidence.
